HomeMy WebLinkAbout13.D.1. Hiring of Architect-Fire Station Feasibility Study I3. b L
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Hiring of Architect -Fire Station Feasibility Study
DATE: June 1, 2010
Comment:
Introduction:
The Council is asked to approve the hiring of Oertel Architects to perform a feasibility
study and work necessary to provide cost estimates for Fire Station 2 relocation.
Background:
Council has indicated a desire to move ahead with the construction of a new satellite fire
station, and an architectural study is therefore needed to provide a preliminary design and
cost estimates for planning and funding purposes. The City's Capital Improvements
Program provides for the construction of this station in 2012; however, the present
construction climate might provide a financial advantage, should the City proceed now.
This station would replace the current downtown station located at Second and Scott
Streets (Station 2). That building is structurally obsolete, and is no longer centrally
located to its primary service area. Several years ago, a location was chosen at the
southeastern corner of Lion's Park.
In addition to a more centralized response, the Lion's Park location also offers the
advantage of not requiring any additional public dollars for land acquisition. The exact
layout of the fire station site (estimated to be approximately three acres) has not been
established; however, it will continue to be on City -owned property.
This would be a satellite station only, with the probable construction consisting of three
drive - through bays, housing six pieces of fire equipment. There would also be a small
meeting room, and room for the firefighters' "turn out" gear. It is intended that the final
design will serve as a prototype for future stations, so that design costs will be minimized
for those stations which are yet to be built. A design committee will accept and evaluate
input from the firefighters during the design discussions.
Station 1 will continue to serve as the primary station for departmental training purposes,
meetings, and the like.
Other Design Considerations:
Allina Health Systems has been in contact with the City regarding the feasibility of
stationing an ambulance and crew in the new satellite station. That would involve an
extra capital expenditure up front for the extra space; Allina would pay a monthly rent
thereafter. The architect would therefore also be asked to provide estimates as to the
financial impact of the additional space needed to accommodate that arrangement.
Consultants:
City staff interviewed two consultants -1) BKV, which designed the 1997 Vierling Drive
Fire Station, and also the Police and Library buildings in 2003; and 2) Oertel Architects,
which designed the Public Works building and the Aquatic Park building. Oertel was
recently hired to do the feasibility study for the proposed Community Center
improvements.
After due consideration, staff is recommending Oertel Architects be authorized to do the
study for the fire station relocation.
Budget Impact:
The reimbursement proposed by Oertel is $4,200.
If the project goes ahead this year, the funding for the feasibility study will be paid for as
a project cost. If it is determined that the project is not to proceed, funding for the $4,200
design fees will have to come from the Fire Department's operating budget.
Note that the preliminary CIP estimates for the project are $3 million. At the time that
the project proceeds, the City Council will have to decide on a method of paying for the
construction. The options are:
1. Sell General Obligation Bonds (paid for through a yearly tax levy. A public
hearing will be required)
2. Charge cost to the Building Fund (current balance $3 million)
3. Charge cost to the Capital Improvements Fund (current balance $3.5 million)
4. Some combination of the above
Once Oertel's work is complete, other expenses, such as soil borings and a topographical
survey will be needed to determine the exact building conditions of the parcel. A
boundary survey is not recommended to be done at this time, as the City will continue to
own the property.
Lastly, it should be noted that since this is a relocation of an existing fire station rather
than the construction of an additional station, it will not require the purchase of new or
additional firefighting equipment, or the hiring of new or additional firefighters. There is
sufficient equipment and personnel at the current station that will be transferred to this
new location. In terms of operating costs, it is anticipated that a newly constructed
building would have lower utility bills, but it would have higher insurance premiums and
building rent. Once constructed and opened, these costs would need to be accommodated
within the Fire Department's operating budget.
Recommendation:
We recommend that Oertel Architects be hired to do the feasibility study and preliminary
design work for Fire Station 2 relocation.
Relationship to Visioning:
This supports Goal B "Positively manage the challenges and opportunities presented by
growth, development, and change".
Action Required:
If the Council concurs, it should, by motion, authorize the hiring of Oertel Architects to
do a feasibility study and preliminary plan for Fire Station 2 relocation.
/ 1AAS
Mark McNeill
City Administrator
CC: Rick Coleman
MM:cn